Contact Us

Organizational Structure

The Mary Bloom Center is a legally recognized Peruvian non-profit foundation, based at the center's location in Puno, Peru. In the United States the Mary Bloom Center is recognized as a custodial fund of St. Mary of the Valley Parish and the Archdiocese of Seattle (501c3 non-profit organizations). The Melvin A Bloom Endowment Fund, a Washington State non-profit corporation, exists to support the work of the Mary Bloom Center. Melvin A. Bloom (1918-1995) was the husband of Mary Bloom.

Father Philip Bloom serves as the center’s President, assisted by Maryknoll Father Robert Hoffman who works in Puno year-round, providing spiritual direction and financial accountability.

In the U.S., the Mary Bloom Center’s board of advisers works with Fr. Bloom to provide guidance and direction in the center’s mission, vision and development. Board members include Michael and Gregory Bloom, Melanie Bloom, Tonya Lindenau, Julia Larson Appert, Cathy Lenac, Anca Wilson, Patrick Albin and Linette Albin. The board has formed a Washington State non-profit corporation called the "Melvin A. Bloom Endowment Fund," which since the year July 31, 2000 has supported the medical and educational work of the Mary Bloom Center in Peru.

The Mary Bloom Center has a small staff headed by obstetrician Luz Marina Marron Roque. Dr. Ana Cotacallapa provides medical care and education for both the Center and surrounding rural communities. Professor Graciela Quiñones directs the Major Robert Lindenau Tutoring Program.

History

Through its founding in 1994, the Mary Bloom Center brought together the love, effort and talents of a group of dedicated servants. As a Maryknoll Associate missionary in Peru from 1987 to 1994, Father Phillip Bloom met and worked closely with Canandian missionaries, Denis and Liane Bruneau.Together with Peruvian obstetrician Luz Marron, the Bruneaus offered marriage and family classes to couples and young adults. In response to the program’s popularity, Father Bloom established a medical and educational center in 1994 to continue offering the classes and related services. In honor of his mother he named it The Mary Bloom Center.

1997 Denis and Liane served as volunteers at the Mary Bloom Center. Denis, an architect by profession, designed and built the MBC facility on an unused corner of property donated by the Vincentian Sisters. In 1998 the bishop of Puno officially inaugurated the new center.

Current Work

The MBC provides varied support for Puno residents, responding to needs as they arise. Medicine, treatment, supplies, food, educational materials, toys, programs and more make up the scope of the center’s service to the people. The MBC works closely with the Vincentian Sisters ("Daughter of Charity") who run an orphanage and school on the same block as the Mary Bloom Center. The center has served as support for the orphanage, obtaining funds for building and operational needs of the Sisters. The Mary Bloom Center continues it’s important work in fertility, marriage and family education through regular class offerings and its association with WOOMB International.

The Major Robert Lindenau Tutoring Program, named for the husband of Tonya Lindenau who died in the service of the United States in October of 2008, provides tutoring for secondary students. The program provides a small stipend and a meal for area college students who serve as tutors.Father Bloom encourages American laity to join him on pilgrimage to Peru, offering guided tours to learn about the culture and needs of the Peruvian people. During these tours, delegates often participate in service projects for the people of Puno.

Founders and Staff

Father Phillip Bloom

Father Bloom has served the Seattle Archdiocese since 1971, and has worked in parishes throughout Western Washington. A fourteen year mission with the Marynoll Missionary Order in Peru fostered a love and appreciation for the poorest in that region, and inspired Father Bloom to found the Mary Bloom Center in honor of his mother, a champion of faith and family. Currently serving as the pastor of St. Mary of the Valley, Monroe, WA, Fr. Bloom tries to spend time in Puno each year.

Luz Marron

Luz Marron has served as the director of Mary Bloom Center in Puno, Peru since its forming in 1994, treating the sick and injured, offering counseling and education, and overseeing daily operations. She manages a small but dedicated staff.